Business Tax

As of 31st May 2023 certain VAT-registered businesses are now able to arrange VAT payment plans directly with HMRC via their online account.   HMRC – Set Up A VAT Payment Plan   Businesses will be eligible to set up the payment plan online if: the latest VAT return has been filed; the total amount…

It always used to be the case that HMRC inspections were decided by a business’s background including size, compliance, complexity etc. Many VAT inspections now, however, are based on information from a data system which HMRC call “Connect”. Instead of HMRC relying on information provided by businesses on VAT returns, Connect draws on statistics from…

Although it has been with us since 1999, IR35 tax rules will probably be unfamiliar to most readers. These anti avoidance rules were introduced to stop workers reducing their taxes by structuring their affairs to get paid via their own personal service company. Where ‘caught’ by IR35, such arrangements would then collect the same amount…

Whether you are self-employed, run a business, are a property landlord, an investor or have overseas income and gains, mistakes can occur when dealing with your taxes, reporting and making the relevant disclosures to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).   Whilst the idea of making mistakes and errors can be worrying and of concern, so…

With the UK tax system as complicated as ever, there are certain rules which we come across that can very easily give a particularly unexpected (and unpleasant) consequence. Income Tax When either parent has taxable earnings over £50k (after personal pension contributions), entitlement to child benefit is reduced. As higher rate income tax starts at…

In light of the increase to corporation tax rates, effective 1 April 2023, you may be considering how to reduce your corporation tax liabilities. One option is purchasing a car through your limited company – the key points to consider in your decision are as follows.   Investment allowances on purchases of motor cars: First…

As HMRC have experienced an increase in the number of SME Research & Development (R&D) tax relief claims being made by companies, so have they witnessed a number of fraudulent claims being made. To tackle this abuse, HMRC have established a tax credit compliance team to deal with R&D enquiries.   If a company receives…

With many businesses seeing a return to pre-pandemic trading levels, now is an ideal time to review your SME’s VAT status.   Businesses must compulsorily register for VAT where ‘VAT-able’ supplies (which is usually, but not always, your turnover), on a rolling 12 month basis, exceeds £85,000. Voluntary registration, however, can take place with turnover below this…

The flat rate VAT scheme is available to any business with taxable annual sales of £150,000 or below, excluding VAT. It was introduced in 2003 to ease the administration needed for small businesses by simplifying the VAT return process. Once you have joined the scheme you can remain until your total VAT-Inclusive business income exceeds…

On 1st April 2023, VAT celebrates its 50th anniversary since it was first introduced in 1973. VAT is a tax placed on a product or service at each stage of its production and distribution. VAT is an important source of revenue for the Government.   The History of VAT VAT was first introduced in France,…